There was a girl who, many years ago before cell phones, computers and Amazon deliveries, had made a mess of her life. Poor choices and the difficult cards life dealt her brought heavy burdens she was no longer able to carry. She was lonely, lived in shame and felt she didn’t have an ounce of value. One day, this girl was in her college typing class when a classmate approached her and invited her to church. It took her by surprise, so she politely declined as she was incredibly shy and couldn’t even look people in the eye. Strangers made her nervous and since her self-esteem was non-existent, there was no courage to even consider going. Week after week the classmate would offer the same invitation to go to church, “It’s so much fun!”, she would say. “All the young people sit in the same area together and the band is awesome! They play contemporary music, it’s not boring! Come on, just go!” The lonely girl had grown weary of her painful and aimless life and became extremely desperate for change, so finally she agreed, “Okay, I’ll go.”
The next Wednesday evening, the girl was dropped off at the church by her boyfriend who refused to go in with her. She sat in the last row, alone and very nervous, hoping nobody would speak to her because she didn’t want to have to use words! The girl surveyed the lively room. She noticed so many happy faces! Their smiles and laughter resonated; it felt like a giant family. Once the music began, she heard the room fill with worship. Quickly taking a glimpse around, she noticed people lifting their hands, expressing their praise. Within only a few minutes, she felt the presence of God surrounding her. She closed her eyes and sat quietly in her seat. When the music ceased, the pastor began to teach with a chalk board at his side, drawing stick figures and images. He spoke with passion and so much love. When he finished, he gently gave an invitation to come forward to receive Jesus - the One who would love, heal and forgive anyone of shame, failures, and sin if they asked. He explained it was a free gift of God for any person who believed in Him and they would receive eternal life with Christ.
What would she do? Would she sit and let the moment pass, she wondered. Undeniably, there was something pulling on her heart to go forward. She slowly stood up from the pew, walked out onto the orange carpeted aisle, and all alone, proceeded forward to a low bench they called an altar. She bowed down before the Lord and wept like a little child as she prayed, asking God to forgive her and help her. She was in pain. She felt shame and loneliness. She was desperate for change. She needed to be rescued from the muck and mire of her life.
That’s exactly what God did for her!
That girl was me, Rhonda. That defining moment, at the age of 21, changed the course of my life forever. I was made new on the inside because of the grace of God. He forgave me and gave me his free gift of eternal life. Everything became different - my outlook on life, my heart, and my destiny! From that day on I began learning the Word of God which continuously washes my heart and renews my mind. The church became family and I was there whenever the doors were open! Thirty-eight years later, I can still call many of those same people I met my friends - what a treasure! That’s the family of God!
We can confidently give our hearts to God who has so many precious promises for us. 1 John 1:9 explains that if we confess our sin to God, he is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 2 Corinthians 5:17 tells us we become new creations in Christ - the old is past away - all things become new. Romans 8:38-39 confirms nothing can separate believers from God’s love. I hope you have experienced the love and forgiveness of God. He loves you so much that he sent his only Son, Jesus (John 3:16) so you could have eternal life with him and abundant life here and now (John 10:10).
God has been so good to me and my family. I want you to know Him, too, and experience His goodness. I still have difficult times, but I have His peace and strength to lean on. My relationship with Jesus and his unwavering love is what I live for.
I would be amiss not to extend an invitation. Consider this a personal invitation from me to you. Come to church with me (or a friend)….Come and meet Jesus… He can change your life, give you purpose and help you become the person you were meant to be. He’s been waiting for you!
Pastor Rhonda co-founded Church On The Rock in 1997 with her husband, Jim Killion, and children. She is the office administrator and leads several ministries including the Connect Team, Women’s Ministry, and more. She enjoys spending time with her sons, daughters-in-law, and her four grandsons. Rhonda’s hobbies include antiquing, finding a good deal on Facebook marketplace, curating their Victorian era home, reading, and baking.
We’d love to hear from you. Use the questions below as a way to share your own story and encourage others in the comments.
How has someone’s invitation or kindness played a role in your walk with God? Can you think of a moment when you tangibly felt God’s love and grace? What happened? When has God met you in a time of need?